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Key characteristics

Family: Liliaceae
Height: 36–48 inches
Width: 12–18 inches
Flower color: Scarlet-red
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Medium
Fragrance: Typically non-fragrant
Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; stake plants as needed to support tall stems
Growing zone: USDA zones 3–9
Wildlife: Hummingbirds, butterflies

Bulbs

Lilium 'Commander in Chief'

Commander in Chief Asiatic Lily

Lilium 'Commander in Chief' is a tall, robust perennial known for its deep red flowers, which bloom in mid to late summer. The large, trumpet-shaped blooms are arranged in clusters atop sturdy, upright stems, creating a bold and dramatic presence in the garden. The plant's tall stature makes it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements.

'Commander in Chief' has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that form a dense, bushy base, providing support for the towering flower spikes.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Under Trees
Containers
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Plant in generous groups rather than single spots, and set them among perennials whose new growth covers the fading foliage.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)